Exelis and L-3 Platform Integration are partnering to provide electronic warfare (EW) self-protection capabilities for Air Force Special Operations Command AC-130 and MC-130 aircraft, according to an Exelis news release.
The two companies will team for rapid development of a “highly advanced yet low-risk solution to protect Air Force special operations aviators” from evolving radio frequency (RF) threats around the globe, according to the release.
An Exelis infographic explaining EW self-protection for large aircraft. Exelis graphic
Exelis, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, has more than 50 years experience in a number of aerospace areas, including EW suites for large aircraft such as the B-1 and B-52, and supplies EW solutions for multiple AFSOC platforms, according to the company. L-3 Platform Integration has more than 50 years of experience as a C-130 systems integrator on a variety of C-130s, including special mission variants.
“Our two companies have worked together on EW technology programs for special-mission aircraft since the 1990s,” said Mitch Friedman, vice president and general manager of the Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business. “Our experience and shared history in this field will produce a system more than capable of addressing customer needs and enabling mission success in a changing EW environment.”
“Our team offers cutting-edge technology, maturity and experience,” said Michael Wright, president of L-3 Platform Integration. “The combination of L-3’s C-130 domain knowledge and the latest Exelis EW technology will deliver mission-enabling capabilities quickly and with low risk.”
The work will be carried out at the Exelis facility in Clifton, New Jersey, and at L-3 Platform Integration in Waco, Texas.